Victor Ezeja
A coalition of civil society organisations, socio-cultural groups and traditional rulers under the auspices of the Niger Delta Alternatives Convergence has called on the federal government to review provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 relating to environmental issues affecting the oil and gas producing communities.
In the gathering which was to discuss ecological issues affecting Niger Delta states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers, the Niger Delta Alternatives Convergence looked at the current realities facing the region from impacts of oil extraction, deforestation, PIA and its shortcomings in addressing community issues and others relating to 13 per cent derivation and emerging threats of climate change.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFollowing the observations made, the participants at the meeting endorsed the Niger Delta Manifesto for “Socio Ecological Justice”.
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In a communique issued at the end of their meeting on June 23, 2022 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the group demanded among other things, a comprehensive audit of the entire Niger Delta region which should cover environmental, livelihood, health, social and economic impacts of crude oil and gas extraction, followed by remediation of impacted places; that the federal government immediately produces a framework and guide for how oil companies disengage from areas where they have operated; and an immediate review of the PIAPIA provisions about gas flaring.
On gas flaring, the group called on the national assembly to do the following: “provide a definite deadline for gas flaring by oil companies and eliminate powers to permit flaring; review gas flare fines to reflect the same amount as commercial value of natural gas in the international market, while transferring flare fines to host communities.
“Eliminate the section of the PIA that places the responsibility to protect oil installations on host communities; remove the powers to establish Host Community Development Funds from the ‘settlor’ or oil companies, and bestow same on each host community,” the communique stated.
The group also demanded that the forensic audit report on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), be released, and all those found to have “fleeced the Commission,” be prosecuted accordingly.
They also called for “an immediate review of the NDDC Act to ensure greater accountability, prudence and participation of people in the affairs of the Commission.”
Other demands of the group as stated in the communique included that states in the region should be allowed to establish special agencies for administration of the 13 per cent derivation revenues for the benefit of oil producing communities; that the land and forest rights of communities are restored and respected, and deliberate efforts should be made to check the spate of deforestation in the region; and finally that there should be a detailed plan on how to respond to emerging climate change threats.
This, they said should include “strategies for supporting community resilience, controlling flooding, relocating communities, addressing health concerns and providing for the social and economic needs of affected people,” the communique added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
